Filter Material Liquid Distribution via Upstream Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter making machines face issues with liquid distribution and retention, leading to unintended staining of filter material when the machine is stopped, as the liquid is not effectively held by the thread and can run along, causing uneven distribution and quality control challenges.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus and method involve a separate liquid introduction device positioned upstream of the thread positioning device within the filter material converging device, allowing independent control of liquid introduction and distribution, using injection means like pressurized gas or a pump, and a parallel passageway arrangement to ensure centralized and homogeneous liquid distribution within the filter material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a thread is used to carry liquid into the filter material, then liquid introduction is achieved, but the liquid may run along the thread and stain the filter material when the machine is stopped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid introductionVSAvoidliquid retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the thread positioning function from the liquid introduction function into two independent devices. The thread positioning device places the continuous thread in the filter material, while the liquid introduction device independently introduces liquid upstream of the thread position. This segmentation eliminates the problem of liquid running along the thread, as the liquid is now introduced separately into the filter material rather than being carried by the thread.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces liquid upstream of the thread position in the filter material, using the filter material itself as an intermediary medium to distribute the liquid. By positioning the liquid introduction device upstream and introducing liquid directly into the filter material rather than through the thread, the system uses the filter material's structure to control liquid distribution and prevent uncontrolled liquid flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If thread insertion and liquid introduction are combined in one device, then device complexity is reduced, but independent control of liquid introduction is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidindependent control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the filter making machine into separate functional devices: a thread positioning device and a liquid introduction device. Each device can be independently controlled and optimized for its specific function. The thread positioning device handles thread placement while the liquid introduction device handles liquid introduction upstream, allowing independent adjustment of thread position and liquid introduction parameters without affecting each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If liquid is introduced into the filter material, then flavor carrying is achieved, but the liquid distribution may be uneven when using highly fibrous thread material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid amountVSAvoidliquid distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces liquid upstream of the thread position in the filter material, allowing the liquid to be distributed through the filter material structure before the thread is positioned. This preliminary liquid introduction ensures that the liquid is already distributed within the filter material matrix, and subsequent thread positioning does not disrupt the liquid distribution uniformity. The filter material acts as a distribution medium that pre-distributes liquid before thread insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution prevents liquid from running along the thread and ensures consistent liquid distribution and retention within the filter material, even when the machine is stopped, maintaining filter quality and simplifying maintenance by allowing independent control of thread and liquid insertion.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid introduction device for introducing a liquid into the filter material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the liquid is introduced into the filter material (only) and at a position where the filter material still forms a rather loose strand... facilitate a distribution of the liquid in the filter material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

Injection means are for example pressurized gas or a pump. By this, the liquid is actively injected into the filter material. Thus a time period the liquid is introduced and an amount of injected liquid may be controlled and varied.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3232829B1Apparatus and method for making filters
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA
  • EP3232829B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3232829B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3232829B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The apparatus and method for making filters comprises a filter material converging device, a thread positioning device for positioning a continuous thread in the filter material and a liquid introduction device for introducing a liquid into the filter material. The thread positioning device is arranged above the converging device such that an outlet opening of the thread positioning device is arrangeable within the converging device. The liquid introduction device is arranged below the converging device such that an outlet opening of the liquid introduction device is arrangeable within the converging device. The outlet opening of the liquid introduction device is arranged upstream of the outlet opening of the thread positioning device.